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Bianca outwardly complied, but a hint of discontent lingered in her eyes. Throughout the meal, her gaze kept
drifting toward Chris. When Fleur spoke, Bianca would actively join in, steering the conversation toward their shared
childhood memories.
In their youth, she frequented Fleur's home, adoring the swing in her backyard and sharing a bed with Chris.
Lena listened quietly, her calm facade masking the fact the delicious food lacked flavor to her.
"Oh, Chris..." Bianca gazed at him innocently. "Could you take me to the mountains? I'm seeking inspiration for a
photo series featuring the mountains."
Chris' eyes darkened, and he remained silent, subtly holding Lena's hand under the table.
Bianca pouted. "Why aren't you responding?"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Aren't you hungry?" Fleur tapped the table gently. "Let's eat."
"Aunt Fleur, I—"
"I don't think you should join them," Fleur gracefully adjusted her hair. "They have important matters to attend to.
What would you gain by tagging along?"
"Aunt Fleur!" Bianca protested, attempting to appear charming. "Chris and I used to travel all the time when we
were kids!"
"When you were kids," Fleur emphasized. "But you've grown up. Your mind shouldn't dwell in the past."
A strange atmosphere settled over the dining table.
Lina and Zuko exchanged a relieved glance. With such a supportive mother-in-law, what could they worry about?
Lena was surprised. She hadn't expected Fleur to take her side at a time like this.
"What's wrong? Why is everyone staring at me?" Fleur widened her eyes. "Is there something on my face?"
"Oh, yes!" Zuko called the butler over. "I remember Aunt Fleur loves grilled salmon. Please let the kitchen know."
The butler nodded and departed.
Bianca sensed Fleur's unhappiness and bit her lip. Despite her frustration, she refrained from showing it.
Leaning closer to Fleur, she changed the topic. "Aunt Fleur, your seafood casserole looks delicious..."
"Concentrate on your own meal!" Fleur snapped, placing her cutlery firmly on the table. "Don't eye others' plates."
Bianca flinched.
Fleur was usually gentle and amiable, but only as long as her boundaries were respected.
Bianca couldn't believe Fleur, who had always been affectionate toward her, would now include Lena in those
boundaries.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmTaking advantage of the moment, Lina instructed the butler to serve Bianca some grilled salmon.
Zuko engaged in lively conversation with Fleur, and the atmosphere gradually returned to normal.
Bianca forced a smile, but a hint of sadness still lingered in her eyes when she glanced at Lena. -
Chris had originally arranged for a private plane, but Lena wanted to savor the scenery along the way.
"Could we take the train instead?" she suggested tentatively.
Chris smiled. "Why opt for the train when we have a private plane?"
"The last time I traveled this route, I was too upset to appreciate the journey or the scenery." Lena sat beside him,
resting her head on his shoulder. "This time, I'm in a different mood."
"Because I'm with you?"
Lena giggled and playfully pinched his cheek.
"I've taken this route with the army before," Chris remarked while checking the train tickets. "Back then, we didn't
take the train. We traveled by military bus. It was a bumpy ride, but the scenery was truly stunning."
Lena blinked. "So, is that a yes? Besides, Mr. Chriss mentioned he'd reimburse our travel expenses."
Chris smiled wryly. "I can still afford train tickets!"
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